Proverbs 12:9-19

9 He who is of low position and has a servant, is better than one who has a high opinion of himself and is in need of bread.

10 An upright man has thought for the life of his beast, but the hearts of evil-doers are cruel.

11 He who does work on his land will not be short of bread; but he who goes after foolish men is without sense.

12 The resting-place of the sinner will come to destruction, but the root of upright men is for ever.

13 In the sin of the lips is a net which takes the sinner, but the upright man will come out of trouble.

14 From the fruit of his mouth will a man have good food in full measure, and the work of a man's hands will be rewarded.

15 The way of the foolish man seems right to him? but the wise man gives ear to suggestions.

16 A foolish man lets his trouble be openly seen, but a sharp man keeps shame secret.

17 The breathing out of true words gives knowledge of righteousness; but a false witness gives out deceit.

18 There are some whose uncontrolled talk is like the wounds of a sword, but the tongue of the wise makes one well again.

19 True lips are certain for ever, but a false tongue is only for a minute.

Proverbs 12:9-19 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KING 2

This chapter gives an account of the charge David gave to his son Solomon, a little before his death, to walk in the ways of the Lord, 1Ki 2:1-4; and of some instructions delivered to him concerning some particular persons he should either show favour to, or execute justice on, 1Ki 2:5-9; and the next account in it is concerning his death and burial, and the years of his reign, 1Ki 2:10,11; after which it relates an address of Bathsheba to Solomon in favour of Adonijah, which was refused, and the issue of it was his death, 1Ki 2:12-25; and the deposition of Abiathar from the priesthood, 1Ki 2:26,27; and the putting of Joab to death for his treason and murders, 1Ki 2:28-34; in whose post Benaiah was put, as Zadok was in the place of Abiathar, 1Ki 2:35; and lastly the confinement of Shimei in Jerusalem, who had cursed David, 1Ki 2:36-38; who upon transgressing the orders given him was put to death, 1Ki 2:39-46.